Press Release

June 12, 2015

Vernal—Some Utah moviegoers will be in for an extra surprise—and maybe a scare—this weekend when they go see the anticipated blockbuster “Jurassic World” and encounter a large animatronic dinosaur roaring and roaming through the movie theater’s lobby.

The dinosaur is modeled after an Allosaurus and measures approximately 10 feet tall and 17 feet long. The dinosaur costume captivates crowds with its realistic sound effects and moving mouth, eyes, neck, tail and legs.

The public is invited to interact with the dinosaur today, Friday, June 12, and Saturday, June 13, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Larry H. Miller Megaplex Theatres at The District in South Jordan (3761 W. Parkway Plaza Drive).

“After watching the movie, we hope Utah families will come experience the real thing by visiting Dinosaur National Monument,” said Lesha Coltharp, director of tourism for Uintah County’s Dinosaurland. “Kids love learning about dinosaurs, especially at the Wall of Bones.”

Dinosaur National Monument—which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year—provides a rare glimpse into the past with nearly 1,500 exposed bones captured in their final resting place. The one-of-a-kind Wall of Bones measures 50 feet high and 200 feet long and features the remains of at least 100 intertwined dinosaurs.

“The recently renovated Quarry Exhibit Hall gives visitors an up-close experience with world-famous dinosaur skeletons,” said Sonya Popelka, the monument’s interpretive operations supervisor. “A portion of the Wall of Bones is even open for a hands-on experience where you can touch the actual dinosaur bones.”

The Wall of Bones is just the beginning of the fossil-friendly attractions found in Utah’s Dinosaurland. The Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum features a Dinosaur Garden with life-size dinosaur replicas, and Red Fleet State Park is covered with hundreds of three-toed dinosaur tracks.

“Whether you’re traveling with little ones or adventure-seeking teenagers, Dinoland has you covered,” Coltharp said. “From rafting to fishing, water is also a big part of the fun at our many reservoirs and rivers.”

Families can also hop in the car and do some dinosaur tracking along the Dinosaur Diamond National Scenic Byway. The prehistoric journey travels along a 512-mile loop where motorists can see excavation sites, Native American petroglyphs and sought-after wilderness areas like Canyonlands and Arches national parks